University Professorship (W3) „Fusion Technology“

Organizational unit

Division III - Mechanical and Electrical Engineering, Institute for Neutron Physics and Reactor Technology (INR), KIT Department of Mechanical Engineering

Job description

Research at INR focuses on fusion technologies and innovative nuclear facilities, from accelerators to power plants. The projects pursued by INR pool the work of teams of experts from different disciplines and extend from fundamental studies to the construction and test of prototype components. Besides the holistic development of single components, work covers the comprehensive analysis and evaluation of the dynamic behavior of facilities.

The professorship is expected to develop the Institute towards fusion and to contribute to cutting-edge research in the Helmholtz research field Energy as part of KIT’s large-scale research tasks. The future professor will develop nuclear facilities required for the fundamental investigation and qualification of components and technologies for future fusion power plants, such as breeding blanket components. Future work is expected to cover not only overall concept development and system design, but also the development of simulation tools for e.g., radiation transport, design in terms of neutron physics and dynamics, as well as safety analysis for fusion and nuclear fission power plants. This also includes research into compact neutron sources and accelerator-driven irradiation facilities.

The future holder of the position is expected to contribute to the German or English fusion technology courses offered by INR in the degree programs of the KIT Department of Mechanical Engineering. Together with CEA, INR is responsible for the annual Frederic Joliot / Otto Hahn Summer School on Nuclear Reactors “Physics, Fuels and Systems”. You will execute large-scale research tasks with a teaching obligation of 2 hours per week per semester.

Starting date

zum nächstmöglichen Zeitpunkt / as soon as possible

Personal qualification

We are looking for a person with experience gained in academia or industry, who has already made excellent, internationally visible contributions in the area of fusion technology and is able to offer up-to-date academic education in this interdisciplinary field. Applicants are also expected to be competent in managing research and development projects and in directing a big institute. Candidates should be willing to cooperate across disciplines both within and outside of KIT. They are expected to actively acquire public and private third-party funding. Applicants should be willing to take over the role of spokesperson of KIT’s FUSION Program.

Employment is subject to Art. 14, par. (2) of the KIT Act in conjunction with Art. 47 LHG Baden-Württemberg (Act of Baden-Württemberg on Universities and Colleges). Apart from fulfilling civil service requirements, candidates should have completed their university studies and possess pedagogic aptitude, didactic skills, as well as scientific qualification as proved by the quality of a doctorate, habilitation, or equivalent achievements. The university professorship is part of KIT’s Large-scale Research Responsibilities.